Tuscaloosa, AL: Where to Eat, Sleep & Tailgate

Welcome to Tuscaloosa, home of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide! If you’re heading to town to catch an Alabama football game, here’s what you need to know about where to stay, eat, drink, and tailgate. First, a few key facts:

• SEC Team: Alabama Crimson Tide
• Coach: Kalen DeBoer
• Stadium: Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium
• 2025 Schedule: rolltide.com
• Fun Fact: The Tide is the only program to win an SEC title every decade since the conference was formed in 1933.

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WHERE TO STAY IN TUSCALOOSA

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Hotel Capstone

320 Paul W. Bryant Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (800) 477-2262

Hotel Capstone is a popular hotel because of its location right on campus. This property features on-site dining and in-house dry cleaning — two amenities that tend to come in handy when you’re in town for a short weekend, and time is of the essence. SB Tip: Book your stay here as early as possible! Snagging a room gets quite hard throughout the season.

Embassy Suites

2410 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 561-2500

Just two miles from the University of Alabama, Embassy Suites offers free breakfast and breathtaking views of Tuscaloosa. The hotel also has an indoor swimming pool.

Hotel Indigo

111 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa AL 35401 • (205) 469-1660

Near campus and on the waterfront, Hotel Indigo also happens to have a great rooftop bar and quality food.

The Alamite

2321 6th Street, Tuscaloosa AL 35401 • (205) 860-7998

The Alamite is a 112-room boutique hotel within walking distance of the University of Alabama campus. The hotel’s decor is inspired by Tuscaloosa’s history and offers a sophisticated, yet relaxing vibe. They also have a delicious restaurant, Forte, which serves up a delicious steaks.

AC Hotel by Marriott

2585 6th Street, Tuscaloosa AL 35401 • (205) 374-8080

The AC Hotel in Downtown Tuscaloosa sits within walking distance of all of Downtown’s best eateries and attractions.

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WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN TUSCALOOSA

If you’re looking for a bite to eat ahead of the game, or perhaps items to pick up for your tailgate, here are some of your best bets in town.

Evangeline’s

1653 Mcfarland Boulevard North, Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 • (205) 752-0830

Located across the river, Evangeline’s is your stop for fine dining in Tuscaloosa. According to their website, they are no longer accepting any reservations for Fridays before game days. If a game begins after 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, the restaurant is closed that evening.

Avenue Pub

2230 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 759-4900

Located a short drive from campus, Avenue Pub serves up delicious elevated bar food and craft cocktails. SB Tip: Order the Thai Nachos!

DePalma’s Italian Cafe

2300 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 759-1879

DePalma’s is a Tuscaloosa favorite for good reason. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. Guests enjoy some of the best pasta dishes in the city.

Dreamland BBQ

1515 15th Avenue E, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 • (205) 758-8135

If you’re looking to experience authentic Alabama BBQ, Dreamland is your spot. Their limited menu features the best of the best. Don’t leave without ordering the banana pudding!

Side By Side

2730 Jack Warner Parkway, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 561-5500

Located inside Embassy Suites, Side By Side works with local farms to serve fresh, seasonal Southern fare with a creole twist.

Heritage House

2410 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 562-9135

If you’re looking for a great up of coffee, Heritage House is your spot. Their menu includes an extensive list of coffee, latte, and tea options as well as tasty breakfast and lunch favorites.

River

1650 Jack Warner Parkway, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 632-3801

River is situated on the beautiful Black Warrior River and is the ideal dining option for experiencing Tuscaloosa (slightly) off campus. We suggest taking a walk along the Riverwalk while you’re there!

Rama Jama’s

1000 Paul W. Bryant Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 737-7524

You can’t leave Tuscaloosa without enjoying Rama Jama’s biscuits and gravy. Known around town as Nick Saban’s favorite breakfast spot, Rama Jama’s is a true Tuscaloosa staple.

FIVE Bar

2324 6th Street, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 345-6089

Offering five dinners, five wines, and five signature cocktails, FIVE Bar is a favorite among locals. Dinner entrées include a cheeseburger, panéed chicken, a fried shrimp platter, bone-in pork chop, and ribeye.

Heat Pizza Bar

2250 6th Street, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 632-3282

If you’re craving good pizza, Heat Pizza Bar is where you’ll find it. Order to-go and consider bringing it to your tailgate — you’ll be popular.

Hooligans

1351 McFarland Boulevard North East, Ste. 112, Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 • (205) 764-5552
515 15th Street, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 759-2424

Hooligans is a diner-style restaurant that serves some of the best Mediterranean food in town. They offer lunch, dinner, and all-day breakfast, so you can stop by anytime.

The Houndstooth

1300 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 752-8444

While you can bring your own food to grill for tailgating, you also can buy food on campus. Stop by the patio of The Houndstooth (right next to The Quad) and grab nachos from Big Bad Wolves.

The Waysider

1512 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 345-8239

Serving up delicious Southern breakfasts since 1951, The Waysider is proof that kind people and good hospitality go just as far as good food. Expect a wait — but know it’ll be worth it.

Urban Bar and Kitchen

2321 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 248-7162

Since opening in 2021, Urban Bar and Kitchen has made it’s mark on the Tuscaloosa food scene. Enjoy elevated Southern classics, a delicious brunch, and hand-crafted cocktails.

And don’t miss out on other Southern chains including Half Shell Oyster House, Chuck’s Fish, Mugshots Bar & Grill, Mellow Mushroom, Jim N Nick’s, Moe’s BBQ, Taco Mama and more.

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BARS IN TUSCALOOSA

If you’re in the market for a pre- or post-game drink, here are a few hotspots to check out — equally well-suited to celebrating or drowning your sorrows.

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Buffalo Phil’s

1149 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 758-3318

Buffalo Phil’s is popular among locals and visitors for its wide selection of beers. Plus, this hotspot offers daily drink specials.

Gallette’s

1021 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 

Gallette’s is Tuscaloosa’s most popular game day bar due to its close proximity to the stadium and iconic Yellow Hammer cocktails. SB Tip: Reach out to Gallette’s ahead of game day and purchase a premade batch of yellow hammers for your tailgate party. 

Innisfree Pub

1925 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 345-1199

Innisfree is sure to be packed on any game day (or really any weekend) in Tuscaloosa. Locals love the Messy Chips to eat and the classic Bushwacker frozen cocktail.

Loosa Brews

412 2oth Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 737-7440

If you’re looking for a more laidback vibe, venture to Loosa Brews to enjoy a vast on tap menu and tons of craft beer to purchase and take home.

Alcove

730 22nd Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 469-9110

Although quite popular, Alcove has the feeling of a neighborhood hidden gem. They offer an extensive beer list and tropical-inspired cocktails.

The Bear Trap

1137 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 345-2766

The best place to hang at The Bear Trap is on their roof. You’ll have views of all of University Boulevard and easy walkability to the stadium.

Session Cocktails

2221 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 860-0557

If you’re looking to enjoy a swanky cocktail slightly outside of the campus’ rowdy atmosphere, Session Cocktails is the place. Guests will enjoy modern classic cocktails in an upscale environment.

Catch 22

2328 6th Street, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 344-9347

Offering signature cocktails like the Peach Cobbler, Tropical Cosmopolitan, Vera Calore, and more, the libations at Catch 22 are sure to quench your thirst. The local hotspot also offers beer and infused liquor.

Rounders

1215 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 345-4848

Rounders is home to three (yes, three!) bars. Most popular is its rooftop area, as it offers live music and aerial views of Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Black Warrior Brewing

2216 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 248-7841

Black Warrior Brewing is a great spot for craft brews in Downtown Tuscaloosa. They’ve got a list of 13 beers for any palette and the laidback feel is ideal for a fun weekend in T-Town.

The Houndstooth

 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 • (205) 752-8444

Named “Alabama’s Favorite College Bar,” The Houndstooth offers darts, pool tables, and an outdoor patio. If you’re in town during the week, be sure to stop by during happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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WHERE TO TAILGATE IN TUSCALOOSA

UA’s tailgating is fairly restricted, but here are some tips:

• In non-reserved areas, it’s free to tailgate on campus at The Quad. Do note that no parking is allowed, so you need to drop your gear off beforehand. You can also arrive to campus early for game days to find parking on side streets within walking distance of the stadium.
• To reserve space or purchase a tailgate package, visit gamedaydoneright.com.

Remember, if you’re attending the Alabama vs. Tennessee game, be sure to bring a cigar with you, as it’s tradition to light a cigar in the stadium if Alabama wins!

FAMILY-FRIENDLY TIPS

Tuscaloosa offers more than just good football games. Here are some ideas if you need to kill some time.

• Tuscaloosa is great for shopping. Some favorites include: Dukes, Part Two, Effie’s, and Mobley & Sons (Men’s).
• Take a stroll down the River Walk path if you want some exercise or just to enjoy the city.
• Stop by the Children’s Hands-On Museum of Tuscaloosa to entertain your little ones while you’re in town and need an indoor activity.
• If you visit campus on homecoming weekend (November 15, 2025), be sure to walk sorority row and view the pomps (large decorative displays made entirely from tiny balled-up pieces of paper) each house creates in the months leading up to the game!

Roll Tide!

Click HERE for the complete SEC City Guide!

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